Huawei partners with Audi and Volkswagen for connected car

Huawei LTE modules to provide fast data transfers for the new Audi Q7 SUV, while the work with Volkswagen involves technology that integrates smartphone functions with vehicle-mounted systems

Huawei has announced plans to collaborate with both Audi Group and Volkswagen for connected car technology. The partnership with Audi Group will see Huawei provide LTE modules to the new Audi Q7 SUV giving it the ability to support 2G, 3G and 4G networks, TDD-LTE and FDD-LTE standards.

The modules will enable data transfers with download speeds of up to 100Mbps. The partnership provides users with internet-enabled key features for an enhanced driving experience.

“We see the unlimited opportunities available in the interconnected car market and we are excited about our partnership with Audi Group,” said Richard Yu, CEO of Huawei Consumer Business Group, Huawei.

“By partnering with industry-leading automobile companies like Audi, Huawei aims to bring the best interconnection services and solutions to the next generation of cars, while actively promoting interaction between cars, smartphones, wearables and people, creating a seamless communication experience and driving environment.”

Volkswagen collaborationMeanwhile, Huawei and Volkswagen have also announced plans to cooperate in the area of car connectivity, unveiling technology that integrates smartphone functions with vehicle-mounted systems and allowing drivers to use those functions safely while driving.

At the International Consumer Electronics Show Asia in Shanghai this week, Huawei and Volkswagen jointly demonstrated a series of apps that safely allow drivers to use GPS navigation systems, play music, send and receive messages, and make phone calls while behind the wheel.

The apps support MirrorLink, an open technology standard designed to maximize interoperability between smartphones and vehicle-mounted systems. They cover multiple services including phone calls, SMS, navigation, multimedia, and payment that are all centred on smartphones.

Sven Patuschka, Executive Vice President for Research and Development of Volkswagen Group China, said, “Our cooperation with Huawei will seamlessly blend the capabilities of users’ smartphones with the systems in their cars. All content on the phone will be shown in real time on the car’s infotainment touch screen. The result is smart and convenient interaction between phone and car.”

Richard Yu, CEO of Huawei Consumer BG, observed that vehicles are turning out to be the largest mobile smart terminals. With rich experience in vehicle-mounted smart devices, data, and cloud platforms, Huawei believes its collaboration with Volkswagen will give drivers a seamless entertainment experience while driving comfortably and safely.

The first locally produced Volkswagen model equipped with MirrorLink is the Lamando, followed by the also locally produced Golf 7. More models will follow. All imported Volkswagen products from the model year 2016 will be equipped with MirrorLink.

Huawei believes that automobiles are set to become the next big devices after smartphones and wearables as communications between cars and urban infrastructure is realized. One industry report (Telefonica – Digital Connected Car 2013) says that 90% of cars will have Internet connectivity by 2020 and that this will be a major element in expanding the Internet of Things.